TIO Annual Report shows poor mobile coverage still an issue for telco users

In the last financial year ending 30 June 2022, residential consumers and small businesses made 79,534 complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO), highlighted in the Annual Report 2021-22 published today. Download the TIO Annual Report 2021-22 Problems about connection delays, failing to cancel a service, and billing issues have improved compared to last year […]

Banks announce rate changes following the RBA cash rate increase to 2.35%

Following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to raise the official cash rate by 0.50% per annum (p.a.), most big banks are expected to lift interest rates on variable loans by 0.50% on 16 September 2022. CBA has already confirmed it will lift its home loan variable interest rates by 0.50% p.a., effective 16 […]

Farming exports forecast to reach a record $70.3 billion from a $81.8 billion crop season

Exceptional growing conditions and high global prices are continuing to benefit our local agricultural production and exports. A report released today is forecasting agricultural export earnings to climb to a record $70.3 billion for 2022-23, that’s almost 50% more than what it was 10 years ago after accounting for inflation. ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared […]

CFMEU and Hutchinson to pay penalties of $1.35 million for boycott conduct

The Federal Court has today ordered the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and construction company J Hutchinson Pty Ltd (Hutchinson) to pay penalties of $750,000 and $600,000 respectively for boycott conduct in breach of competition laws, in proceedings brought by the ACCC. This follows the Court’s earlier finding that the CFMEU and […]

CommBank launches Agri Green Loan to support producers’ environmental and climate goals

As part of its commitments to support customers transitioning their business and to invest in environmental projects, Commonwealth Bank today announced the national rollout of its Agri Green Loan. Today’s launch follows a successful pilot, and opens the door for more farmers to access funding — at discounted rates — for eligible purposes that reduce their […]

Farm safety front and centre with National Farm Safety Week from 18 to 22 July

National Farm Safety Week is underway and acts as a reminder of the many dangers involved in farming and the need to protect our farmers and farm workers the best we can.  This year’s Farm Safety Week is based on the theme ‘Recipes for Averting Disaster’. It focuses on the intangible risks and hazards that […]